I get what you are pointing out now.
I looked in some older NECs and found that as recently as 1996 both tables had separate ratings for fuses and breakers.
The 1999 Table 450-3(b) changed to what we see now.
I guess there was a proposal to change the table but not the notes.
Looks like you could put in a proposal.
You are certainly a careful reader of the NEC.
Bob
[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 07-30-2005).]